Mary Douglas Quotes

A collection of quotes by Mary Douglas.

Mary Douglas was a British social anthropologist and a prominent figure in the field of cultural anthropology. She was born on March 25, 1921, in San Remo, Italy, and passed away on May 16, 2007, in London, England.

Douglas attended Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she obtained a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. However, her interests quickly shifted towards anthropology, and she conducted groundbreaking research throughout her career. Her contributions to the field are highly regarded, particularly her studies on symbolism, meaning, and cultural systems.

One of Douglas's most influential works is the book "Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo," published in 1966. In this book, she explored the concept of purity, drawing connections between ritual practices, social order, and cultural beliefs. Douglas argued that notions of dirt and impurity are embedded in social structures and have consequences for individuals and groups.

Throughout her career, Douglas also researched various social groups and their belief systems, examining their organization, rituals, and classifications. Her work made significant contributions to the study of symbolism and how culture shapes human behavior.

Mary Douglas was a highly respected academic, serving as a professor at various institutions, including University College London. She received numerous honorary degrees and accolades for her work and remains a seminal figure in the field of anthropology, shaping the way scholars understand culture and society.